5 Things To Do with Talcum Powder

Talc can be found in a number of products, including women’s cosmetics and baby powder. Some professional basketball players and athletes even use it to keep their hands dry. Fortunately, talcum powder has some practical household applications as well, so try putting it to work with these five fun new uses.

1. Keep Ants Away

For an effective organic ant repellent, scatter talcum powder liberally around house foundations and known points of entry, such as doors and windows. Other effective organic repellents include cream of tartar, borax, powdered sulfur, and oil of cloves. You can also try planting mint around the house foundations.

2. Fix a Squeaky Floor

Don’t let squeaky floorboards drive you crazy. For a quick fix, sprinkle talcum powder or powdered graphite between the boards that squeak. If that doesn’t do the trick, squirt in some liquid wax.

3. Remove Bloodstains from Fabric

To remove fresh bloodstains from clothing or furniture, make a paste of water and talcum powder and apply it to the spot. When it dries, brush away the stain. Substitute cornstarch or cornmeal if you are out of talcum powder.

4. Get Rid of Greasy Carpet Stains

A greasy stain can spoil the look of the most luxurious carpeting. You can remove greasy stains from a carpet with a combination of talcum powder and patience. Just cover the affected area with talcum powder and wait at least 6 hours for the talcum to absorb the grease. Then vacuum the stain away. Baking soda, cornmeal, or cornstarch may be substituted for the talcum powder.

5. Loosen Tangles and Knots

Don’t break a fingernail trying to untie that knot in your shoelace. Sprinkle some talcum powder on shoelaces (or any knotted cords) and the knots will pull apart more easily. Use talcum powder to help untangle chain necklaces too.

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